Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 7.

Obj. BƲt if the Defondant refuse to be ordered by them members so gathered, in regard of the smalnesse of the quantity of them, in comparison of the reall body of that Church, may he not appeale to the reall body?

Ans. The Church having had publick notice of it, as also of the time, and place, when, and where, the difference is to be de∣cided, and not appearing, at the time, and place, doubtless those* 1.1 few, who doth appeare, ought to end the businesse, and being so determined, it ought not to trouble the Church any further; but I would have you know, that such causes, as come to such a triall, ought to have a deliberate hearing, both by Pastors, &c. for you may well imagine, the two remedies considered, there will seldome, or never, any triviall businesse trouble the reall Church.

Obj. Suppose the difference betwixt them be for title of Land, or the like; are such Churches able to decide such controversies,* 1.2 having no judgements in the Lawes of the Land, by which such dif∣ferences are to be tryed?

Ans. All Lawes are, or ought to be, grounded upon Scripture, and reason, and as to that of Scripture, I suppose none wil deny, but such as are of the Church, have the best judgement, in such things as are, or tend to a spirituall cognizance, to whom the

Apostle writ, and therefore the best able, to decide such contro∣versies in Law, as doth arise, or hath bottome from them.

2. As to that of Reason, I suppose also none that hath reason will deny, but such as understand Scripture are Rationall Men, and therefore, have likewise judgement in such controversie in Law, as have bottome from them.

3. We see that no Judge doth of himselfe determine a case in Law, but it is done by a verdict passed by a Jewry of the Neigh∣borhood, &c. Then who more fit for such puposes then the Church, yet wee are ingaged as Christians, to admit of such decisions a∣mongst our selves; Instance the Apostle Paul in his first Epi∣stle to the Church at Corinth, who after hee had in the fifth Chapter shewed them from whence they were to seperate, viz. from the fornicators of this world, as also from the Covetous, Ex∣tortioners, Idolators, Raylers, Drunkards and ver. 10. As also of whom they had power to Judge, viz. of such as were within, vers. 12. As also of such as were not in their power, (but in the power of the Civil Magistrate) viz. Such as were without vers. 13. he doth continue his discourse in the beginning of the ninth chap. with a note of reprofe, viz.

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, goe to Law* 1.3 before the unjust, and not before the Saints? Doe ye not know, that the Saints shall judge the world, and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge Angels, how much more things that appertaine to this life? If then ye have judgement in things pertaining to this life, set them to judge, who are least esteemed in the Church; I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man amongst you, not one that shall be able to judge, betwixt his Brethren; but bro∣ther goeth to Law with Brother, and that before the unbeleevers; now therefore this is utterly a fault amongst you, &c. 1 Cor. 6. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c.

Obj. The Apostle in that Chapter doth only condemne them, for that they went to Law before such as were not Christians, and not otherwise.

Ans. He that is without the payle of the Church of Christ, is not to be termed a Christian, let him pretend what he will; and therefore the Church ought not to make use of

them, in any such difference as doth arise amongst themselves.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Few triviall businesses trouble the Church.
• * 1.2

  What judge∣ment doe you read them Co∣rinthians had in La••?
• * 1.3

  The Apostles reproofe to the Corinthi∣ans for not deciding Con∣troversies.